The Pratts were merchants and among the founders of Boston's trading center--India Wharf. The letter is to John Kyes, of Concord and provides a reference for William Stearns who served on the brig Warbler under Captain Harvey. "who had a good opinion of his character...and found him upright and honest."  Letter is signed by both John and George Pratt, two historic figures in early Boston maritime trade.

India Wharf (1804-ca.1962) in Boston, Massachusetts, flourished in the 19th century, when it was one of the largest commercial wharves in the port. The structure began in 1804 to accommodate international trade at a time when several other improvements to the Boston waterfront occurred, such as the creation of Broad Street and India Street. Funders and organizers of the construction of India Wharf in 1803 on the waterfront near Long Wharf included Francis Cabot Lowell, Uriah Cotting, [Henry?] Jackson (d.1806), James Lloyd Jr., and Harrison Gray Otis. Builders completed the wharf in 1804. Architect Charles Bulfinch designed the building atop the wharf, completed in 1807. The long stone building housed 32 stores.

Merchants operating from India Wharf included China traders Russell and Company (1824); Samuel Austin, Jr.; James Carter; J.T. Coolidge; Samuel Devens; Thomas Dixon; Francis Ellis; Thomas and Edward Motley; Henry Oxnard; John Pratt & Son; Robert B. Storer; Thwing & Perkins.

THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON—1848

PRATT, GEORGE. Son of the late Capt. John Pratt, who followed a successful trade in the Gulf of Mexico, while Spain was at war with England. Retired from sea, and was the first to run regular packets in the New Orleans trade; and after George had had a good training, formed with him, John Pratt & Son—still keeping the New Orleans packet and cotton trade. John bought the large house at the head of Pearl-street, formerly owned by Jonathan Harris, called "Harris's Folly.' George married a daughter of Giles Lodge. Excellent parentage on both sides! His industry and prudence have deserved and secured wealth; and his kind heart and cheerful temper will make him happy.

Letter shows considerable wear where it was worn at the bottom resulting in a large tear that runs up through half the letter.  However, the signatures, the most valuable part of this communication, are intact and historically significant.